272ci V8/Ford-O-Matic/Continental Kit/Pristine Chrome & Trim

1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria

Any time we get stunning 50s era Detroit metal into our Classic Auto Mall showroom, it tends to attract a lot of attention and usually doesn't stick around very long. This is a 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria that has been painstakingly restored to its top of the Ford line status. It's the perfect car for anyone who wants an accurate, exceptionally well-done restoration for half the price of doing it themselves.

There is 50's cool then there is 50's AWESOME and this car definitely fits the latter. The beneficiary of a full on restoration, this classic is dripping with all the trappings one would expect from a luxury car of that era…Continental kit rear bumper, tons of chrome, factory front and rear bumper guards, fender skirts, and the list goes on and on.

Exterior
With a true to form 50's color palette, we are greeted with straight steel panels minding their gaps, and bathed in two tone Mandarin Orange, and Colonial White. It is broken up by the polished stainless steel of the now famous 'Fairlane strip' which flows gracefully from the top of the front fenders down the side of the car and hits the taillights mid fender. Centered on the 'Fairlane strip' in the middle of the doors are great looking badging emblems with gold crown, and silver Victoria in your grandmother's handwriting. Along the rocker panels of the car spotless stainless trim highlights pronounced rear fender skirts. Perfect glass that is in excellent shape all around is accented by the Crown Victoria exclusive chrome 'basket handle' roof piece and stainless window trim. The roof is pretty in Mandarin Orange. Out back, the jet-age taillight lenses look new and are topped by a small fin which houses the backup lights. The trunk is backed by a Continental bumper complete with metal enclosed spare tire. Details abound, with lightly tinted glass, lock cylinder covers all around, and dual chromed exterior rear-view mirrors mounted on both doors. Wide whites wrap polished wheel covers that have a centered cloisonné Ford Badge.

Interior
Looking like it was plucked right out of a Silk City Dining Car, the beautiful white and orange combo has a firm but comfortable feel, as well as all the aesthetics that come with the mid 50's. The door panels which mimic the “Fairlane Strip” are orange up top, and white on the bottom. Climb in and you'll be surrounded by orange horizontal tufted inserts and ultra-wide white vinyl bolsters which are on front and back benches. The back bench is noteworthy as it has an armrest inserted and above is framed by a multiple stepped “V” with the Ford logo inside…just beautifully cool in its own way. These seats are fronted by a perfect dash, in orange and white metal, and with all correct instruments. All this is floating within an impeccable black thick pile carpet. The headliner is just as impressive on the inside with the stainless basket handle breaking it up, and in white vinyl. The trunk has had the once over with the correct Ford gray plaid trunk liner.

Drivetrain
The original 272ci V8 is looking fine with its red painted block and intake, black valve covers and a showroom condition gray oil bath air cleaner, all complete with correct decals. Absolutely no corrosion under the hood, supple hoses and a pristine radiator. On top of the engine, we see a single 2-barrel carburetor, and on the back is a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. All power goes rearward to a Ford 9-inch rear with 3.31 gearing.

Undercarriage
Very clean and definitely rust-free environment with a now black and patina environment. Black frame and drivetrain, and factory undercoated floor pans that show nothing but road dirt. For the suspension we note very well-kept independent coil springs in front, and leaf springs on the rear. Drum brakes are all around, and a rust-free dual exhaust system with glasspack style mufflers has been installed.

Drive-Ability
My decoder partner in crime would be perfectly satisfied if every car was from the 50's, however variety is the spice of life, and this one has plenty of good taste. The car starts right up, runs like a champ, and rides like a dream. All instruments, fans etc were functioning. I wanted to take the remainder of the day off and drive to the shore, but I could not get permission…

If you are into 50's ultimate cool, with a smattering of creature comforts, diner like interior, and plenty of stainless shine, then this retro Fairlane may have your name on it. With a color combo that was probably in your grandparent's bathroom on the first floor of their rancher, it is simply dripping with the mid 1950's, and is all in excellent condition, perfectly restored.

VIN DECODE
U5GW147845
U-272ci V8 2bbl 162hp
5-1955
G-Chicago, IL Assy Plant
W-Crown Victoria
147845-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 64A-Fairlane Crown Victoria, Solid Top
COLOR NE-Mandarin Orange, Colonial White
TRIM BG-White/Orange Vinyl